Global Sports Trading Card Market Size, Share, Analysis: By Type: Character Cards, Image Card, Autograph Card, Others; By Distribution Channel: Online, Offline; Regional Analysis; Market Dynamics: SWOT Analysis, Porter’s Five Forces Analysis, Key Indicators for Demand, Key Indicators for Price; Competitive Landscape; 2024-2032

Global Sports Trading Card Market Size

The global sports trading card market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.3% during 2024-2032.

Sports Trading Card Market Outlook

• As per industry reports, the trading card industry grew by more than 142% in the first three months of 2021.

• eBay witnessed a significant 142% surge in trading card sales in 2020, where Pokémon trading card game experienced a remarkable 574% increase in sales.

• PSA and Beckett Grading Services collectively graded over 5 million cards in 2020.

Sports Trading Card Market Growth Rate

A sports trading card is a collectible card featuring a sports figure, typically an athlete, along with relevant information like statistics, team affiliation, and career highlights. These cards are often part of a set and are traded or collected by enthusiasts. Sports trading cards have been popular for decades, with baseball cards being one of the earliest and most iconic forms. They are not only valued for their entertainment and nostalgia but also because they can appreciate over time, especially rare or limited-edition cards.

The surge in demand for sports trading cards is driven by several factors, including advancements in technology, the increasing interest in vintage and latest cards, and the lucrative potential of sports card investing. The growing popularity of large prize pool events that offer growth opportunities has also contributed to the sports trading card market expansion.  Additionally, the presence of a large population base in developed countries, and the constant occurrence of sports leagues with multiple trading card licensees have all been key drivers of the market's growth.

Key Trends and Developments

Surge in demand for limited-edition cards, integration of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and rise of online marketplaces and trading platforms have accelerated the sports trading card market development

February 2024

Upper Deck announced an exclusive trading card and memorabilia deal with Michael Misa, a junior hockey sensation. This collaboration aims to create collectibles that produce invaluable experiences for sports and entertainment's most dedicated and loyal fans.

December 2023

FIFA and Panini announced the extension of their long-standing partnership. The renewed agreement helped Panini maintain its position as the exclusive licensed partner for FIFA-branded trading cards and sticker albums.

July 2023

Upper announced an exclusive autographed trading card deal with hockey sensation and the number one overall 2023 NHL Draft pick, Connor Bedard. Under the new agreement, Upper Deck will be the sole producer of Bedard's trading cards.

January 2022

Fanatics, led by Michael Rubin, acquired Topps trading cards for USD 500 million, expanding its sports trading card portfolio. The acquisition includes Topps' sports and entertainment division, enhancing Fanatics' position in the trading card market.

Surge in demand for vintage and limited-edition cards

Collectors and investors are increasingly seeking out rare, historic, and exclusive cards that feature iconic athletes and memorable moments. These cards are seen as valuable assets, with some appealing record-breaking prices at auctions.

Integration of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)

The integration of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) into the sports trading card market has revolutionised the way cards are owned, traded, and experienced. NFT-based digital sports cards offer collectors a new level of authenticity, scarcity, and interactivity.

Emergence of online marketplaces and trading platforms

Platforms like eBay and COMC (Check Out My Cards) have made it easier for collectors and investors to buy, sell, and trade cards globally. These digital marketplaces have increased the accessibility and liquidity of the market, allowing for a wider reach and more efficient transactions.

Partnerships and collaborations among industry players

Market players are increasingly focusing on strategic partnerships to expand their product portfolios and reach new customer segments. Panini America recently partnered with the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Football League (NFL) to produce exclusive and limited-edition cards.

Sports Trading Card Market Trends

The sale of high-profile athlete cards, such as the record-breaking USD 5.2 million sale of a signed rookie card of basketball superstar LeBron James, further highlights the growing demand and investment potential in the market.

Similarly, a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card sold for USD 12.6 million in 2022, setting a record for the most expensive sports trading card. The growing interest in acquiring these one-of-a-kind cards has driven up their value and fuelled the overall sports trading card market growth.

Moreover, fans can now own, trade, and showcase their digital card collections on blockchain-powered platforms. For instance, the NBA Top Shot platform, a collaboration between the NBA and Dapper Labs, has become a popular destination for fans to purchase, trade, and collect digital NBA highlights in the form of NFTs. This trend has attracted a new generation of collectors, particularly younger demographics.

Sports Trading Card Industry Segmentation

The EMR’s report titled “Sports Trading Card Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Type

• Character Cards

• Image Card

• Autograph Card

• Others

Market Breakup by Distribution Channel

• Online

• Offline

Market Breakup by Region

• North America

• Europe 

• Asia Pacific 

• Latin America 

• Middle East and Africa 

Sports Trading Card Market Share

Autograph cards lead the market as signature of athlete adds a personal connection to the card

Character cards feature illustrations or graphics of sports players, teams, or mascots, without necessarily including a photograph. This segment is expected to hold a significant share of the overall market, as it appeals to collectors who appreciate the artistic and creative elements of the cards.

The autograph card segment, however, is anticipated to hold the largest sports trading card market share in future as they feature the authentic signature of a professional athlete. Collectors highly value autograph cards due to their increased rarity and the heightened sense of ownership and exclusivity they provide.

Another segment is image cards, which prominently display a photograph of a player or team. These cards provide collectors with a more realistic and visually appealing representation of the athletes and sports they collect. The inclusion of high-quality images can be a key factor for collectors seeking an authentic experience.

Online segment holds a significant market share due to the expansion of online platforms such as eBay

The online segment of this market is experiencing notable growth, fuelled by the proliferation of online platforms such as eBay that facilitate the buying and selling of sports trading cards. This surge in online activity is providing enthusiasts and collectors with a convenient and accessible sales channel, contributing to the expansion of the overall market. Recent developments, such as the commercial agreement between eBay Inc. and COMC in November 2023, underscore the industry's focus on enhancing the online trading card experience.

As per sports trading card market analysis, the offline segment continues to hold relevance, catering to traditional collectors and enthusiasts who prefer physical interactions and transactions. Brick-and-mortar stores, sports memorabilia shops, and trading card conventions serve as essential offline sales channels for sports trading cards, offering collectors a hands-on experience that online platforms may not replicate.

Leading Companies in the Sports Trading Card Market

Market players are leveraging digital platforms and exploring blockchain technology to enhance authenticity, further engaging in acquisitions to expand product portfolios and increase market share

PANINI S.p.A, was founded in 1961. Headquartered in Modena, Italy, the company is renowned for its extensive range of products, including sports trading cards, stickers, and collectibles. One of its most popular lines is the FIFA World Cup sticker collection, which has become a staple among football enthusiasts worldwide.

Futera Limited was established in 1989 and is based in London, United Kingdom. The company specialises in designing high-quality, limited edition trading cards featuring player autographs, game-used memorabilia, and innovative collector services.

TRISTAR Productions, Inc. was founded in 1987 and is headquartered in Texas, United States. The company is involved in the production and distribution of sports memorabilia, including autographed sports trading cards and collectibles.

Leaf Trading Cards, LLC, founded in 2010 and based in Texas, United States, offers a diverse range of sports trading cards, including autograph cards, memorabilia cards, and various limited-edition collections.

Other key players in the global sports trading card market include The Upper Deck Company, The Topps Company, Inc., Select Australia Pty Ltd., Hit Parade, NETPRO Trading Cards, LLC, and Burbank Sportscards, among others.

Sports Trading Card Market Analysis by Region

North America is a prominent market due to growing popularity of sports and presence of various sports leagues

North America holds the greatest market share, driven by the growing popularity of sports and entertainment trading cards in the region. The market is expected to expand due to the increasing interest of middle-aged Americans in collecting trading cards, reflecting a revival of nostalgia and childhood hobbies.

Industry stalwarts like Topps, Panini America, and Upper Deck dominate the North American market with extensive card portfolios, iconic partnerships, and global distribution networks. For instance, Topps has maintained a long-standing partnership with Major League Baseball (MLB) to produce official trading cards.

The Asia Pacific region is a significant player in the global sports trading card market as it is segmented into football, baseball, basketball, boxing, cycling, and cricket, reflecting the region's diverse range of sports. In APAC, Japan has seen a surge in popularity of such cards and companies like Calbee and Epoch are producing highly sought-after cards featuring local sports heroes.

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Sports Trading Card Market Report Snapshots

Sports Trading Card Market Size

Sports Trading Card Market Share

Sports Trading Card Market Growth

Sports Trading Card Market Trends

Sports Trading Card Market Regional Analysis

Sports Trading Card Companies

*At Expert Market Research, we strive to always give you current and accurate information. The numbers depicted in the description are indicative and may differ from the actual numbers in the final EMR report.